By Jeff Glucker
It may be a bit weird to lead this off with a teaser image posted a year or so ago by Mitsubishi. I get that. But still, that image gives me a glimmer of hope that the diamond-star brand will revive a version of both the Montero and give us a Delica here in the States.
If ever the time was ripe for Mitsubishi to deliver a proper off-road SUV, it’s right now. The market is being saturated by all sorts of options, ranging from overland cosplay crossovers to full-on ready-to-rock dirt machines. An affordable Montero with the right tires and a locking rear diff has the potential to play well against any competition.
Then toss in a Delica aimed at competing against the VW ID.Buzz, but again at a better price point, and you could capture some interest from the van life crowd.
What else needs a revival? You could say the Nissan XTerra would do well in today’s market if Nissan doesn’t mess it up. A proper small Ford Falcon sedan based on the Mustang would be tons of fun. I also think Nissan should revive the idea of the 240Z with a scaled-back version of the current Z. Give it a smaller turbo engine, drop the price WAY down, and line it up against the GR86/BRZ twins.
Let’s keep this list growing; what else needs to make a comeback?
We need a new Camaro (and if I’m really dreaming, a new Pontiac Trans Am). I’m not talking about a ZL1 race car either. I don’t need 1000+ hp and drag radials and ridiculous fender flares and gun slit windows. Just a “normal” looking Mustang competitor. Small V8 with a 6 speed (and Cragars, side pipes and rear window louvers – oh yeah). Mullets not required, but encouraged.
Crown Vic cop cars, two seat compact pickups with AWD and boosted engines, Road Runner.
the Nissan Maxima! a sporty family sedan with good quality mechanicals and a price within reach. drug dealers loved them because they were fast, my uncles all loved them because they were big and reliable and just premium enough to be a low key status symbol. reasonably fun to drive without scaring off the aunty class. my first car was a Maxima with the lovely VQ30, a crisp manual shifter, and completely anonymous styling.
of course, this has been tried in recent years (Stinger GT, the actual Nissan Maxima, Fusion Sport, Accord 2.0T 6MT), and often with very good sedans. it doesn’t sell. the closest we have is the base model Integra, but it’s missing that flagship energy.
entry-level brands aren’t making sedans that they’re proud of. this is a reflection of consumer preference, so i accept it as the right choice. but it makes me sad.